The number of fire related deaths in Alabama dropped 30 percent in 2011, according to the state fire marshal's office.

The drop comes after 122 people died in fires in 2010 -- the highest number since 1997 -- and something that was possibly due to that year having an unusually harsh winter.

But even one death is too many and all 86 deaths in 2011 could have been prevented, said State Fire Marshal Ed Paulk.

The vast majority happened in single family homes, Paulk said, and many of them were started by people heating their homes in dangerous ways -- such as using stoves for heating or misusing space heaters -- and leaving food unattended on the stove or being careless with cigarettes.

"We take our safety for granted. It's ultimately our personal responsibility," Paulk said. "A lot of times if we stopped and thought about the things we're doing, we'd realize it's not a good idea."

Despite last year's drop, Alabama continues to have one of the worst fire fatality rates in the nation, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

In 2008, the most recent year for which the information was available, Alabama had the fifth highest fire related death rate in the nation, with a rate of 22.5 per 1 million residents. The national per capita fire death rate is 12. In 2007, Alabama had the eighth highest fire death rate in the nation.

In 2008, 73 people died in fires statewide, the lowest number since 1998, according to the state fire marshal's office. In 2007, there were 91 fire-related deaths statewide.

The same factors that spark fatal fires across Alabama are also the leading causes of fatal fires in Birmingham, said Battalion Chief C.W. Mardis of the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service.

In 2011, 13 people died in fires in the city. Earlier this year, two people died from injuries sustained in fires in 2011. Thus far this year, there have been three fire fatalities.

With a milder winter, 2012 might have fewer fire fatalities than 2011, Mardis said. "We're hoping to have a better year," Mardis said.

Statewide, fire fatalities have been on a steady decline for the last several decades, according to records provided by Steve Holmes, spokesman for the state fire marshal's office.

Between 1990 and 2000, the state averaged about 112 fire deaths a year. Between 1980 and 1989, the average was 152.

Prior to 1969, when fire alarms and smoke detectors hit the market, more than 200 Alabamians typically died in fires in any given year.

Fire safety education in elementary schools, in addition to smoke alarms, has played a big role in bringing down those numbers, Paulk said.

But because those safety programs aren't mandatory, the level of fire education varies from school to school, Paulk said.

Only burn logs in the fireplace with a fireplace screen in place to protect against sparks. Have your chimney cleaned and inspected yearly.

Develop several fire escape plans from each room in the house and practice them regularly with your family.

Make sure items such as clothing or blankets do not cover lamps that are turned on.

The key to escaping a fire in the home safely is to get out fast. Smoke, gas or fire can kill within one minute. Leave valuables behind. Avoid being locked into your house. Keep a key in or near any locks at night.

Smoke and the heat from fire rise, so it is important to stay low. Crawl out of the house. Do not run or walk.

Always feel the door before opening a door. A hot door indicates fire on the other side. If a door is hot, place sheets or clothing under the door to prevent deadly smoke from entering the room.

If the door exit is not an option, escape through a window (use a chain ladder if the window is upstairs). If the window is sealed, throw something heavy through the glass and protect yourself from the broken glass when exiting.

Meet at an agreed-upon meeting place outside, such as the mailbox, to make sure everyone is out of the house.